Friday, April 20, 2012

Pain Drug Patches Can be Deadly to Children, FDA Warns

FDA evaluated a series of 26 cases of pediatric accidental exposures to fentanyl
patches reported over the past 15 years. Of these 26 cases, ten
resulted in death and 12 in hospitalization. Sixteen of the 26 cases
occurred in children two years old or younger.

Young children are at particular risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl
patches. Their mobility and curiosity provide opportunities for them to
find lost patches, take improperly discarded patches from the trash, or
find improperly stored patches, all of which may result in patches
being placed in their mouths or sticking to their skin.